Can My Child Have High Cholesterol?

More than one in 10 American adults has high cholesterol, but did you know that high cholesterol isn’t just an adult health problem? The truth is that children can also develop high cholesterol, with the condition often going unnoticed until later in life.

Since cholesterol plays a key role in overall cardiovascular health, it’s important for parents to know the risks, signs, and steps to take if their child is affected. Devyani Chowdhury, MD, MHA, and our team at Cardiology Care for Children offer high cholesterol management for kids, and here’s what you should know.

Why kids can have high cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood, and your body needs some cholesterol to build cells and make hormones. But too much cholesterol — especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol — can build up in blood vessel walls and increase your risk of heart disease over time.

Anyone can develop high cholesterol, and there are a few common reasons why it can impact kids. First, some children inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes high cholesterol regardless of diet or exercise.

Diet and other lifestyle factors also play a major role. Diets high in saturated fats, fried foods, or processed snacks can raise cholesterol levels. Lack of physical activity can also contribute to higher cholesterol, and children who are overweight or obese are more likely to have abnormal cholesterol levels.

The risks of high cholesterol in children

High cholesterol impacts your heart health. And while children don’t usually develop heart disease at a young age, high cholesterol in childhood can lay the foundation for problems later in life.

Plaque buildup in arteries can start during childhood, which may lead to early hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease as your child grows older.

Signs it may be time for a cholesterol check

The good news is that detecting and managing high cholesterol early can significantly lower long-term health risks. And since high cholesterol usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, routine screening and preventive care are essential.

Experts recommend that children have a cholesterol screening between ages 9-11 and then again between ages 17-21. We may also recommend checking your child’s cholesterol if:

• There’s a family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
• Your child is overweight
• Your child has diabetes or other chronic health conditions.
• Your pediatrician identifies other risk factors during a routine visit

If your child’s cholesterol is high, it’s not too late to make healthy changes. High cholesterol in children can often be managed with lifestyle changes, and we can help you find the best treatment options for your family.

Managing your child’s high cholesterol

At Cardiology Care for Children, we provide compassionate, family-focused care for children with high cholesterol. Our team offers cholesterol testing, personalized treatment plans, and guidance on heart-healthy lifestyle choices that work for the whole family.

By starting early, we can help your child build lifelong habits that protect their heart health. And one of the most important things you can do to help your child is making these changes as a family. Here’s what we might recommend:

• A balanced diet focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• At least an hour of active play or exercise daily
• Healthy weight management
• Medication, if lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough

High cholesterol may seem like an “adult problem,” but addressing it in childhood is one of the best ways to prevent serious heart issues later in life. With the right support and medical care, your child can grow up strong, healthy, and heart-smart. 

Contact us to learn more and schedule an appointment at one of our clinics in Lancaster, Mifflinburg, and Strasburg, Pennsylvania, and Topeka, Indiana.